Uruguay

Abstract

The Republic of Uruguay, formerly a part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, and subsequently a province of Brazil, declared its independence August 25, 1825, which was recognised by the Treaty of Montevideo, signed August 27, 1828. The Constitution of the Republic was sworn July 18, 1830. The legislative power is in a Parliament of two Houses, the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives, which meet in annual session, extending from February 15 to July 15. In the interval of the session, a permanent committee of two senators and five members of the Lower House assume the legislative power, as well as the general control of the administration. The representatives are chosen for three years, in the proportion of 1 to every 3,000 inhabitants of male adults who can read and write. The senators are chosen by an Electoral College, whose members are directly elected by the people; there is one senator for each department, chosen for six years, one-third retiring every two years. There are 75 representatives and 19 senators.